Decorative air diffuser with linear side slot

ABSTRACT

An air diffuser and air diffusing system is herein disclosed. The air diffuser generally includes a base and a diffuser plate. The base is designed to attach to a surface proximal an air duct and further defines an air-in opening through which air is configured to flow in a first direction. The diffuser plate detachably couples to the base. The diffuser plate and base define a laterally disposed air-out opening that is designed to direct the air in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/200,911 filed Apr. 2, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to air diffusers and, more particularly, to a decorative air diffuser with a modern linear slot style, for replacement in residential applications.

The present invention addresses the problem of limited options currently available for decorative residential air grilles and/or diffusers, that typically leave visible the unfinished construction looks of ductwork/connection behind the grille face and are difficult to remove and/or replace for cleaning. For example, once removed from the original mounting holes, it is often difficult to remount them to those same holes and achieve the same installed appearance without additional renovation work.

Current options have a louvered face style, that leaves the unfinished construction visible behind the face. As mentioned, limited options are available, and still look similar in appearance. Removing the grille face is typically a messy project and is often discouraging for the common homeowner not proficient on a ladder with tools. The market is looking for more decorative options, with a unique and modern appearance, and easily removed for cleaning.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved air diffuser, as herein described. Embodiments of the present invention include air diffusers with a linear slot that are decorative and can be easily removed to clean the device and ductwork.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, an air diffuser comprises: a base configured to attach to a surface proximal an air duct and defining an air-in opening through which air is configured to flow in a first direction; and a diffuser plate detachably coupled to the base, the diffuser plate and base defining a laterally disposed air-out opening that is configured to direct the air in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In certain embodiments, the air-out opening is elongated.

In certain embodiments, the air-in opening and the air-out opening are oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to one another.

In certain embodiments, the air-in opening and the air-out opening are the only two openings extending out of the air diffuser.

In certain embodiments, a bottom surface of the diffuser plate is ornamented.

In certain embodiments, the diffuser plate comprises four lateral sides, with the diffuser plate clipably coupling to the base at first, second, and third lateral sides of the four lateral sides.

In certain embodiments, the air-out opening is disposed at a fourth lateral side of the fourth lateral sides.

In certain embodiments, the base comprises an air out deflector that partially defines the air-out opening.

In another aspect of the present invention, an air diffusing system comprises: an air duct operably coupled with a surface; and an air diffuser comprising: a base attached to the surface proximal the air duct and defining an air-in opening through which air is configured to flow in a first direction; and a diffuser plate detachably coupled to the base, the diffuser plate and base defining a laterally disposed air-out opening that is configured to direct the air in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

In certain embodiments, the second direction is directed into a room space.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 3

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, taken on line 7A-7A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7B is an exploded sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention, similar to FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject disclosure is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure such that one skilled in the art will be enabled to make and use the present invention. It may be evident, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the present invention has not been described in detail so that the present invention is not unnecessarily obscured

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an air diffuser that includes (1) a base mount attachable to a surface proximal an air duct and (2) a diffuser plate attached to the base mount to form an assembly, the assembly defining an elongated slot, along a first side thereof, for diffusing air from the air duct into a building space.

As mentioned above, embodiments of the present invention solve many problems, including but not limited to: limited decorative/style options, the unfinished look behind grille, and difficulty removing/re-installing for cleaning. Embodiments of the present invention solve those problems by (1) providing a decorative new option, with a modern linear style, (2) minimizing and streamlining the air opening, and blocks the unfinished view of the ductwork, and (3) easily detaching for cleaning and reattaching with no dusty mess.

The present invention provides a unique modern option of a decorative air diffuser that is more stylish than the same old louvered face grille and mounts easily over the existing opening with no reconstruction work required above the ceiling. Embodiments are decorative new options for the residential air diffuser, with a modern linear slot style that easily installs over the existing ductwork opening and does not require any ceiling renovation work. The linear slot includes an integral throat section and advantageously eliminates any potential view of the ductwork and/or connection at the ceiling. To install, a user would simply remove the existing grille or diffuser and mount the new device over the opening. The diffuser plate can thereafter be easily removed for cleaning of the device and ductwork.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, a removable, decorative air diffuser 10 is provided with a mounting base 12 and a diffuser plate 14. The mounting base defines an air-in opening 16 and includes an air-out deflector 24. The diffuser plate 14 defines a lateral air-out opening 18 (also referred to as a linear slot) and may be embodied as ornamental/decorative in form and/or appearance (specifically, a bottom surface of the plate 14 may be ornamented). In certain embodiments, this air-out opening 18 and air-in opening 16 are the only two openings that extend out of the diffuser 10 (with a chamber connecting the two openings for air to flow through). As shown, the air-out opening 18 is disposed on a lateral side of the diffuser 10, with the air-in opening 16 being disposed in a top surface thereof, and they are oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to one another. The mounting base 12 is installed first, by coupling to a ceiling 11 a (to cover an air duct 11 b) with screws and/or other anchors via fastener openings. Those with skill in the art will appreciate that other couplings may be appropriate, including but not limited to adhesives.

As shown from FIG. 7B to FIG. 7A, the diffuser plate 14 couples to the mounting base 12 by a snap in place coupling mechanism 20 that is embodied by complementarily mating female grooves 20A and male protrusions 22B. As shown in FIG. 7B, the grooves 20A and protrusions 20B form angled faces that engage one another to retain the diffuser plate 14 in place (as shown in FIG. 7A). Once pushed into position, the rigidity of the materials holds the pieces together.

To support a securely fastened assembly over long periods of time, one or more magnetic strips 22A, 22B may be adhered to or embedded in the angled face of each groove 20A and protrusion 22B to help hold them in engagement. These magnetic strips 22A, 22B, in general, constitute a magnetic coupling mechanism 22. While preferred embodiments of the present invention define the mounting base 12 and diffuser plate 14 as separate parts, it is within the scope of the present invention if they are made integral with one another to form a singular unit.

The decorative diffuser plate 14, as shown in FIG. 2, includes a back angle member 28. This back angle member 28 deflects the supply air from the ductwork 11 b, using the static pressure from the air handling unit supply fan, to flow parallel with the ceiling 11 a through a throat (that leads to the opening 18) of the air diffuser 10. The air out deflector 24 (formed as a lip) and an angled surface of the diffuser plate 14 define the linear slot 18 of the diffuser plate 14, which ultimately deflects the air to flow slightly downwardly and away from the ceiling 11 a, as demonstrated in FIG. 2.

Additionally, the back pressure of the diffuser plate 14, aforementioned throat section, and air out deflector 24 also help to distribute the air across the full length of the diffuser, while the back angle member 28 helps to guide the airflow and reduce turbulence and the pressure drop through the diffuser 10.

The dimensions of the components of the air diffuser 10 could be varied based on the design airflow required. A length of the diffuser slot opening 18 could vary, for example, from 12 inches to 48 inches and the opening size of the slot could vary, for example from 1 inch to 2 inches.

In other embodiments, the diffuser 10 could be designed for single direction flow, or double direction (2 way) flow by providing a second opening on an opposite side of the diffuser 10. Further, instead of a ceiling 11 a, the diffuser 10 could also be mounted on a wall or floor opening for similar use.

The mounting base 12 and diffuser plate 14 are both necessary for the function of the diffuser 10. However, as mentioned above, the overall dimensions of the parts can be varied to provide for larger or smaller airflow quantity. Anchors and screws could be optional if other means of installation are preferred, such as glue, silicone, etc. As described above, one or more magnetic strips or small discs could be used, in addition to or in place of the overlapping mechanical joint, to easily attach the diffuser plate 14 to the mounting base 12 e, once fastened to the ceiling. This would also allow for easy removal to clean the device or the ductwork.

Further, an adjustable deflector lip could be added to provide a means to direct the airflow at a specific angle from the ceiling. Also, a guillotine type (telescoping) damper could be provided at the air-in opening 16 to allow for adjustable airflow balancing. Another option could be a light emitting diode (LED) strip to illuminate the diffuser slot (thus projecting light onto the ceiling at the air discharge for enhanced visual effect and decoration). The colors could be manually controlled, or automatically controlled based on the temperature of the supply air using a thermistor. For example, blue light could be emitted when cool air is supplied, or red/orange/yellow light be emitted when heating air is supplied. Finally, a similar configuration could be utilized as a return intake. However, for this application the overall dimensions would be significantly larger to account for proportionally more airflow of a typical central return air intake.

A method of making the present invention may include the following. The components may be formed from a die cast or extrusion process using a plastic or composite material that is lightweight, durable, and non-corrosive. Some milling and cutting of excess material may be necessary. In certain embodiments, the end pieces may be glued or mechanically fastened. Each part is intended to be made of a single uniform solid piece of material for better durability. Polishing and painting of the exterior may be required for custom color and appearance.

Alternately, the components may be formed from a stamping process using sheet metal steel or aluminum. Similarly, some machining and polishing may be required for appearance.

A method of using the present invention may include the following. To install the decorative diffuser, a user starts by removing the existing ceiling grille (if replacing an existing one). Next, the mounting base 12 is fastened to the ceiling using drywall anchors and/or screws/anchors through fastener openings 26. The baseplate should ideally be aligned in the desired direction of throw, but most likely in the same direction of the previous grille throw. Finally, the diffuser plate 14 is attached to the mounting base 12 using the overlapping mechanical joint on three sides of the assembly, and optionally the magnets 22A, 22B for additional support.

While one or more preferred embodiments are disclosed, many other implementations will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and are all within the scope of the invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be combined with other described embodiments in order to provide multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, what has been described herein is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Other arrangements, methods, modifications, and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are therefore also considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the claims that follow.

While apparatuses and methods are described in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, the apparatuses and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. For example, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b”) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an,” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the elements that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted. Moreover, the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward or upper direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward or lower direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An air diffuser comprising: a base configured to attach to a surface proximal an air duct and defining an air-in opening through which air is configured to flow in a first direction; and a diffuser plate detachably coupled to the base, the diffuser plate and base defining a laterally disposed air-out opening that is configured to direct the air in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
 2. The air diffuser of claim 1, wherein the air-out opening is elongated.
 3. The air diffuser of claim 2, wherein the air-in opening and the air-out opening are oriented substantially perpendicularly relative to one another.
 4. The air diffuser of claim 3, wherein the air-in opening and the air-out opening are the only two openings extending out of the air diffuser.
 5. The air diffuser of claim 4, wherein a bottom surface of the diffuser plate is decorative.
 6. The air diffuser of claim 5, wherein the diffuser plate comprises four lateral sides, with the diffuser plate clipably coupling to the base at first, second, and third lateral sides of the four lateral sides.
 7. The air diffuser of claim 6, wherein the air-out opening is disposed at a fourth lateral side of the fourth lateral sides.
 8. The air diffuser of claim 7, wherein the base comprises an air out deflector that partially defines the air-out opening.
 9. An air diffusing system comprising: an air duct operably coupled with a surface; and an air diffuser comprising: a base attached to the surface proximal the air duct and defining an air-in opening through which air is configured to flow in a first direction; and a diffuser plate detachably coupled to the base, the diffuser plate and base defining a laterally disposed air-out opening that is configured to direct the air in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
 10. The air diffusing system of claim 9, wherein the second direction is directed into a room space. 